Smoking ban training offered

Health officials required to offer education under county ordinance.

Health officials required to offer education under county ordinance.

November 09, 2006|JOSHUA STOWE Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Last time, the smoking ban was new, but few cared to show up and learn about it. This time, the ban is seven months old with two major changes, and county health officials here are hoping more business people come, bringing any questions they have. The St. Joseph County Health Department will have another round of training on Monday to help employers comply with the ban. "I am concerned about people not showing up, not coming through the training, because we only had 30 the first time," said Rita Hooton, food service supervisor for the Health Department. "So I'm very concerned. But the training is something we have to do." The ordinance says that the Health Department must offer a "continuing program to explain and clarify" the ban. Hooton said there's a demonstrable need for ongoing education. Based on complaints the Health Department has received, she said, it appears some people don't understand that bars and private clubs are exempt from the ordinance, and that some restaurants have received a one-time, two-year exemption. In addition, Hooton said, some employers still haven't installed the proper "no smoking" signs. "There's still some confusion out there," she said. And as if that weren't enough, the ordinance has changed somewhat since it first took effect. One amendment allowed employers to offer enclosed smoking rooms for their workers. Another allowed smoking in pool halls where all patrons and employees are 18 or older. Carl Meyers, owner of the Black Cat Lanes bowling alley in New Carlisle, was one of the few business people to attend an April training session. He found the experience helpful. "From a learning standpoint, and telling us what we needed to do, it was good, I think," he said. "As far as the training, I think it was pretty well done." Staff writer Joshua Stowe: jstowe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6359